Today I'm excited to share a new MyDomaine feature that I photographed and styled last year in Portland, OR. I ventured West to shoot this incredible project by Kaemingk Design, a husband-wife duo who began as house-flippers and have now cemented their place in the design and remodeling world of the Pacific Northwest. Their trademark aesthetic features bright neutrals, natural wood elements, and the occasional hint of industrial hardware. Needless to say, my camera and their spaces get along quite well.

When Brandt and Chelsea Kaemingk came to me to discuss the space and how it would photograph, I offered a few of my go-to styling tricks to really photo-finish out their space. I suggested draping the entire living area in a barely-there sand linen cotton blend to add visual interest and coziness to the white-walled space. You'd think wall-to-wall fabric would scream fussy, traditional, and don't-touch-anything, but with neutral panels draped from floor to ceiling, it creates a soft non-invasive layer adding an element of comfort to the walls like a good hug from a sweet new Southern friend (wink wink). One look at this shoot and you'll know that its laid-back, comfortable air integrates seamlessly into #TheNewSouthern. It's open, inviting, full of space but also a unique energy, and is the absolute perfect balance of newness and rustic charm.

Throughout the home, we incorporated (and suspended from the ceiling) original art on the walls for character, and I styled these great olive jars with branches and greenery to bring the lush Oregon outdoors into the space. Here and there, I created little moments to catch the eye—a sweet arrangement on the raw wood chair-turned nightstand in the bedroom, a collected moment of modern plates with vintage candle holders in the kitchen nook, and fresh blooms between the bathroom sinks.

It's projects like these that remind me just how far, literally, the aesthetic of The New Southern can reach.... and here I was in Portland, OR. These little vignettes, the warm neutrals, the light-filled space, the raw and unfinished woods...... it's all reflective of an inviting space, relaxed into the Southern influences that helped mold the Kaemingk's vision for this home.... I immediately connected to this home and when I first walked into the space, I intuitively knew the Kaemingk's had also experienced the thick summer air and creative magic brewing in the South of Charleston and Alys Beach (where they vacation) mixed in with their European inspirations. They confirmed this when they shared their long list of Southern architectural and design influences. I felt at home although I was 2,400 thousand miles away.

I am so uplifted by the power of collaboration, creativity, and positivity that I can barely put that energy into words. It happened to me recently on a shoot in Scottsdale, AZ with the amazing Bria Hammel, and it was one of those days that so clearly affirms my belief in The New Southern’s message and encourages every day to make new strides that push our work forward.

It was like the two of us spoke the same language. Bria and I were totally on the same page regarding our industry, styling, and design, but on a much larger level, we both believe that collaboration is the absolute key to building everyone up around you. She, like me, is a firm believer that the digital space is our new currency for making an impact and sharing love, light, and new ideas. When the two of us worked hand in hand like so many believers in The New Southern do, our finished product was so much more striking than I initially imagined. Bria approaches every situation with an open mind and a killer eye and together, we had such a contagious energy. I know I carried it on with me beyond that trip to Arizona and am radiating it even now, months later.

The space is an absolute stunner—a vacation home with unexpected vignettes throughout and rich layering that makes for comfortable living and amazing photography. I’m so excited to share this project with you, and so many thanks to the friends at MyDomaine for making it happen!

Recently, I traveled to Santa Barbara to photograph a sweet little jewel box of a space by the lovely Taylor Anne Interiors. It's always such a treat to work in Taylor's spaces, which are so full of light and are a constant reminder that sentiments of The New Southern are everywhere especially with Taylor's Texas roots.

Ahead of the shoot, I made sure to create tiny moments of happiness throughout that make each image a little more special. You'll see bright pink snapdragons and blue hydrangeas for a color moment, and lush greenery in larger vases to make a vignette feel more serene and fresh. One styling trick I have been doing for years is — filler is the new floral! I love to pick up bunches of greenery that a fussy florist would use as filler and instead fill an entire vase or jar with it. Some of my favorites to pick up from the local supplier are sage, eucalyptus, and Israeli ruscus. You'll also notice we chose to leave the windows wide open, which evokes a sense of hospitality, warmth, and calm. I can definitely feel the warm California air and those joyous creative vibes as if I was still standing in the living room looking back through this gallery!

Speaking of California, I'd love for each of you to consider donating to the relief efforts benefitting wildfire and mudslide victims in this very region of the country. So many families have lost their homes and their precious belongings, and every small amount counts. Join me in donating to United Way's efforts to help the victims of the wildfires, mudslides, and floods. Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones!

Classic clean lines intertwined with mid-century finds results in a very linear New Southern Vibe!!! I am thrilled to share this downtown Austin, TX loft belonging to a tech guru who recently topped INC magazine charts for his speedy growth. I'm excited to share this shoot with you on MyDomaine, as designer Allison Crawford totally hit the vintage bullseye, literally. (Did you see the fun dart board accent in the living room?)

Combining mid-century furniture finds with eclectic art and accessories, Allison strikes a perfect balance of classic meets cool. For the shoot, we asked Nashville artist Angela Simeone to create a custom large scale commission, which you'll see hanging as a statement piece in the living area. I placed a variety of greenery throughout the loft to pump some life into the space, sprinkled neutral accessories to ensure visual consistency and I styled the coffee table with fresh limes and an open art book to add an element of intrigue and proof of life.

I also want to highlight the waterfall island in the kitchen, which is a great way to make major design impact. It's not actually marble; instead, it's a great marble alternative called Dekton. This is a great alternative for countertops and surfaces as it's durable, non-porous, and attractive. And in the bedroom, Allison dressed the bed with Parachute linens, a favorite line and one that will ensure a crisp look without sacrificing comfort.